Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today called upon all stakeholders — farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry leaders — to unite with determination and play a pivotal role in making India self-reliant and a global leader in oilseed production.

Noting that India’s demand for edible oil far exceeds its domestic supply, Shri Birla called upon industry leaders and oil millers to innovate and find solutions to reduce import dependency, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He asserted that India is undergoing transformation, and it is imperative that our farmers become key drivers of this change, empowered with fair prices for their produce.

यूपी ऑयल मिलर्स एसोसिएशन द्वारा आगरा में आयोजित "45वें रबी ऑल इंडिया तिलहन सेमिनार" में सम्मिलित होकर देशभर से आए तिलहन व्यवसायियों को संबोधित किया।

भारत खाद्य तेल के क्षेत्र में आत्मनिर्भर बने, इसके लिए आवश्यक है कि हमारे किसान और ऑयल प्रोसेसिंग सेक्टर से जुड़े लोग सम्मिलित… pic.twitter.com/maIK7aXXZY

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) March 23, 2025

Shri Birla was addressing the 45th Rabi All India Oilseeds Seminar, organized by the UP Oil Millers Association in Agra today.

He stressed that our farmers and the oil processing industry must work hand-in-hand and emphasized that high-quality oilseed production backed by advanced research and innovation is essential. Shri Birla urged agricultural scientists and the Oil Millers Association to collaborate proactively for excellence and self-reliance. The Speaker also urged scientists to focus on developing climate-resilient, high-yield seed varieties, contributing to sustained growth in oilseed production. He emphasized the importance of research collaborations with renowned universities and institutions, and the need to educate the public on the health benefits of Indian oils, supported by scientific studies. Underlining that Central India’s soil and climate are highly conducive to oilseed cultivation, often requiring minimal irrigation, he noted that government initiatives have improved irrigation infrastructure and enhanced agriculture production potential.

Highlighting the nutritional value of Indian oilseed crops, Shri Birla emphasized the need to promote these indigenous oils to boost both economic and nutritional security. He reaffirmed the importance of the philosophy to embrace indigenous oils reminding that what grows naturally in our soil and climate is most beneficial to health. He also linked the oilseeds sector’s growth with the 'Vocal for Local' vision, encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies, receive proper training, and utilize government schemes for better yields and higher incomes. Shri Birla called for entrepreneurial participation in organic farming, processing, packaging, and distribution of oilseed products, highlighting the immense opportunities Start-Up culture has brought to even smaller regions.

He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the 45th Rabi All India Oilseeds Seminar would chart a new direction for India’s oilseeds industry and help achieve the goal of self-reliance. Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and dairying and  Panchayti Raj and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

***

AM

(Release ID: 2114480) Visitor Counter : 191